#thank you Magister <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[kimjunnoodle]

🐅 and 🍁 for Trip please and thank you, sir.

🐅 (tiger) - What makes your character angry? Are they angry often? Does it take a lot to make them upset or are they quick to anger?

Trip has a temper but she tries to hide it. Since she works in PR for Arasaka, she’s used to dealing with bs and usually meetings between them and Biotechnica (where her ex bf Gene Nova works lol) end when she abruptly leaves the room to scream into a bathroom trash can. She hates wasting time and small talk is not her friend. She’s the kind of person to ask deeply personal questions in the 30 second elevator ride that leave you both confused and kinda insulted. (ie. “Is your laundry unit damaged because you wore that suit yesterday?”)

She’s a bitch who can dish it out but can NOT handle when people are rude to her. She only gets visibly upset around others when she’s run out of witty insults and feels trapped. Nova has only seen Trip cry 3 times in their 7 year relationship and he was glad he did because it confirmed she did actually have feelings. Trip is almost ashamed of being so emotional because it doesn’t serve her career. 

🍁 (maple leaf) - What brings your character joy? Do they find happiness in the small things? Does it take a lot to cheer them up?

When Trip was a child and lived with her parents in the outer Corpo housing, she found a keychain with a “wish you were here” over a beach side sunset and ever since it’s been what drives her. ‘New Austin’ in the cyberpunk world doesn’t have any large bodies of water but she has spent her whole career trying to get as rich as possible so that she can move and retire at the beach somewhere. It’s kind of her good luck charm and she rubs it when she’s in a particularly stressful meeting. 

She also likes to spend her time at the Air bar (for flavored clean air) as it’s an expensive place and it makes her feel like she’s better than her peers. She rarely has to pay while she’s there though since she’s a regular and a serial flirt. 

Unless she’s at Air, it doesn’t take a lot to cheer her up; however, she would never tell you that. She would smirk or say something rude to you outwardly but inside she would be jumping up and down. Gene once got her an ocean white noise machine and while she responded with “I don’t have a need for this useless junk.” to his face, she spent that night sitting on her bed holding herself and crying softly and it was the first time she told Gene (in a text) she loved him.

[wovenwaves]

@tarnishedxknight - continued from here

Gods, never did Maris think she would be so taken by a Judge Magister, and, yet... she was. Drace had come to mean so much to her, she no longer could imagine her life without her, and nor did she want to. Not only had Drace reunited her with her dear cousin, but she had nurtured life back into her heart that had been so heavy with grief, Maris oft struggled to get through the days without falling apart and wanting to give up.

Perhaps it would have been easier to dismiss Drace as another Imperial. To cling to her old belief that they were all the same - faceless and cruel - but... she couldn't. Even with Noah as a Judge Magister himself, as one so vitally important, she couldn't hold it against him. And because she couldn't hold it against him, she couldn't hold her pain against Drace either, because she had proven herself to be hume. To be a dear friend to her, and something more. It was a love Maris had never seen coming, nor a love she expected to find again. But this...

Maris smiled as Drace lifted her hand to her lips and kissed the back of her fingers. Her expression soft and full of love and affection, and a brightness to her eyes that had only just found its way back with the beautiful and brilliant Magister. Her heart felt lighter than it had in years, and, oh, how it sang with her beloved's words. To hear her own sentiments shared - to know how much she meant to Drace.

"And I will gladly have you," she promised softly as she squeezed her hand. As she closed her eyes with her forehead still pressed to her lover's, and as she breathed her in. As she simply just... took everything about the Magister in, and relished in her presence. In her warmth and her love. "You have done so much for me, my love. You healed my heart when I felt like I had long since drowned. To have you is an honor and a blessing."

Tears slipped down her cheeks as Maris pulled her head away, but she was far from sad. Her expression still so soft and loving as she leaned in to give Drace a proper, gentle kiss - still holding onto her hand before she pulled away. "I love you so much, Drace," she whispered, "and I always will. And I will do anything for you."

[aicosu]

Hey, just saw your post about Veilguard - do you mind me asking what it is that put you off? Thanks!

I can start by saying I've not played it. I'm not going to at this point. But basically, every cutscene and dialogue option and plot point I've watched. And for those of you that don't remember I was hugely critical of Inquisition despite my love for it. And I downright hated Trespasser. So this shouldnt be shocking.

And its a lot of stuff I dont like. I can make a short list of major things below, obvious spoilers.

Please dont read this if it will make you angry okay? This is a lot of angry ranting.

1. I said this with inquisition and trespassers but veilguard seals my hatred for the decision to center the entire plot of ripping apart the dalish culture and religion. I'm sorry I just don't think this is compelling. It's icky to create an oppressed and marginalized race with parallels to most indigenous cultures in the real world, and basically call them wrong and stupid for clinging to their culture and history. I don't care that validating the Enuvanris existance means also invalidating the maker and the tevinter reiligions too, or even the dwarven: the game centers this narrative on the DALISH. The entire implication that its their fault all along or they sold themselves into a cult and slavery is gross. The game could have easily done this but centered it around the Maker. Andraste as the blight corrupted crazy deity or spirit whatever the fuck. Makes more sense with how much Chantry has been shoved down our throats since origins, and given how much wider spread it is after literal genocides of the dalish, qun, etc it would just mean a lot more to target the oppressors/majority religion directly. And look listen, I'm a pretty hardcore athiest and even anti thiest. I hate all religions, I find stories about dismantling religion compelling but to couch it histories of marginalized people like... its just not great. Not to mention twisting their gods into systematic greedy people or shoving their "bestest god" into a human woman and trying to make her prostheltize at me. I don't like it!

2. I get why old decisions dont matter. The world is too big, sure. I dont mind that at all, actually, even with all the problems, it gives people invested in those choices. Im happy to accept it. But then... make the actual plot less beholden to it. Why bring in cameos at all, then? Fuck man set it 50 or 80 years later. But if you cant cause everyone wants closure in the DA fandom then give us closure. If not personal closure with wardens and hawkes and etc cause its all too variant — lore closure. We arent going to talk about how darkspawn were thinking and talking? Blight was always just a random elvhen weapon? What apparent the tevinter magisters then? What about the architect? What about the idea of darkspawn becoming their own race and culture? What about the old gods themselves they were just always enuvanris? How do magisters actually feel about that? Why did those who worshipped corypheous or the black church follow Elvhen gods, their most oppressed and hated enemy aside from the qunari?

Speaking of, what about all of us who wanted to confront Minrathous and Tevine for the atrocities we've built up about it for 3 games. Slavery? Off screen solved before we get there? Dorian fixed it all? I had a heated debate with Dorian about him saying how slavery wasnt all that bad "They like being slaves!" And so many conversations with Fenris about how horrible it is. Rape and murder and submission? We don't as players get to finally confront that?

How about red lyrium being sentient. How about it being a tool the elvhen then used to murder titans, but not its alive and unstoppable? How can anything be unblighted? Because plot?

What of the calling? What of it really? What of those in The Calling who were unblighted? nothing?

Not even a deep conversation about the murky ethics of liberation/slavery when it comes to the Antivan crows stealing children? I'm to forget that?

How about anything all to do with the Qun? How about that burnt in memory I have of Saarabas immolating himself in service to not just the system of his culture but his belief in his faith. We're writing him off as a terrorist and not as an example of the Qun? Lets be really real; they have been retconning the Qun every game till now them being a fully gender and sexual accepting society.

How about the changes of mages vs templars if and maybe they walk free now? As if that entire conflict wasnt the brewing boiling point for three games?

What about the elvhen rebellion they so rightly started after centuries or murder and racism? Can we stop pretending that rebellion isnt an act of violence and has to be? Can we stop erasing the idea that systemical upheavel can be anything other than radical? Hello? Anders is one the phone asking for you?

How about that ending, the veil isn't even torn? Spirits don't walk the earth as intended. Why not solas' plan? Why not restore order. Why not join or dissuade him as he asked us to in trespasser?

It just all feels washed off, Thedas. I'm allowed to be angry and upset that they spanned all of these topics and asked me to engage with them on a deep ethical and moral grounds only to never mention them again. I dont think making your player base feel stupid for caring is great.

3. On personal levels, Solas has been ooc since trepasser. And frankly, the explanation of his relationship with Mythal is disgusting. Made the first slave and turned from his true nature into a tool of war—and reaffirming his subservance by making it that only Mythal could stop him? How is that not a toxic dynamic, and they fram it as loving and romantic? Imagine them trying that Fenris who can only be talked down by Danerous. Come on. It should have been Lavellan — or it really should have been not at all. Let him. The devs want to destory Thedas and start over? Let solas reset time and recreate the earth and tear is all down and erase most of the history. Do it you cowards. Give me an unrecognizable DA5 where spirits and mages rule and the elvhen thrive and war with each other. Give me slaved humans and a topsy turvy all that changes remains the same reality. Why not if you want to illuminti titan everything anyway.

4. I dont believe in the veilguard, I should have a choice not to. I should have a reason to care about it or my companions or fewl some sort of reason we must all work together aside from "theyre adorable". All the other games you had companion parties in organic and believable ways. Rook is leader cause.... ? What if I dont want to be? At least my Dalish inquisitor fought tooth and nail not to be called a christian messiah. Hawke had FRIENDS. And the warden found those who knew what a blight meant. And many of all of us disagreed. Vivianne got not sympathy from me. Why should Neve? Fenris will leave your party if you waste your time when the Magister comes to town. I dont want to coddle Harding about her stupid chantry. I do not to talk to Lucanis happily about the crows. Maybe I dont want to be friendly all the time. Maybe I hate everything Bellara is doing. Or taash.

5. The writing was on the wall in inquistion hoenestly. What with Iron bull letting me decide is he mass murders his found family or not. But jesus these new companions are like 10 yrs old. I don't know you decide. Your a fucking adult. I cant take a single one of them seriously. Even Sera screamed and yelled at me if I challenged her. Solas and I almost broke up mutiple times arguing about tradition and purpose or that damn Mythal well (again and no wonder he would object to doing anything akin to being emslaved by her, only to submit himself in this game. As if the well mattered at all. As if morrigan matters at all.) I just don't feel as though I'm bonding with anyone, I'm babysitting. Im being told what a great person I am that I can teach everyone elementary school behaviorial learning. I dont want to, I dont even want to be "good".

6. Petty stuff:

I hate the art style both in the UI and the models. I hate it. And the expressions are so poor compared even to Da2.

I hate all the armors. Everyone is bulky. Hate it.

Ugly combat.

Cant control or walk around as my companions and try out other classes.

CC cant change eyes or facial structure much so all rooks heads look the same and kinda... everyone looks like a dwarf. Sorry. Imo, imo, every rook I have seen looks like a dwarf.

Dont like the music.

Dragons are ugly.

Morrigans outfit makes it look like she has 4 titties.

I hate this elvhen "steampunk" tech when so much of their magic was shown to be earthen and mystic. Dumb. No explanation as why it would become this way it just is now.

Blood magic erasure cause the devs are scared of us being cool I guess.

I hate the humor. Every joke doesnt land for me. And there are simply too many.

[datvtranscripts]

The Enemy of My Enemy Pt. 2

Faction Memento

Signs and Portents Masterpost Previous: Varric’s Mirror

Rook goes to the other end of the table and places another piece of decor.

Origin Dependent Dialogue:

Crow [1]

Grey Warden [2]

Lord of Fortune [3]

Mourn Watch [4]

Shadow Dragon [5]

Veil Jumper [6]

1 - Crow Place Antaam Command Pin Rook: The Antaam commander I took this from thought occupying Treviso was the same as owning it. I showed him how wrong he was. Freed a bunch of prisoners that night. Including Varric. That's also the night the Crows kicked me out of Antiva for "carrying out unauthorized operations"

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: Still can't believe they didn't back me. We're the Crows. Killing targets is what we do! Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: It was the right thing to do, but it did bring the Antaam down hard on the Crows. I probably could have made fewer waves. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: I was so proud of myself… but the Antaam cracked down hard on the Crows after what I did. I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

2 - Grey Warden Place Toy Griffon Rook: Every time I look at this, I can hear that little girl thanking me for saving her village from darkspawn. She said that since the Grey Wardens didn't have griffons anymore, I could have hers. If I hadn't been there, I'd never have met Varric… and never had to deal with the First Warden complaining I ignored orders.

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: Doesn't matter what the First Warden thinks. There's a little girl alive today because I attacked instead of waiting for reinforcements. Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: But if it was worth rushing in to save that village instead of waiting for reinforcements, it was worth dealing with the consequences, too. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: I was so determined to save that village I couldn't wait for reinforcements… But if I'd failed, I'd have left a gap for darkspawn to pour through and kill thousands. I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

3 - Lord of Fortune Place Jeweled Pitcher Rook: Best drink of my whole life: fresh water from this pitcher after Varric and I got out of the trap set by that double-crossing noble. We didn't know how close he was to the throne of Rivain… Or that stopping him would get me kicked out of the Lords of Fortune "until the heat dies down."

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: Who cares about the politics? I kept a dangerous artifact out of Venatori hands. The Lords should've had my back. Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: I won't apologize for surviving a double-cross… but if me leaving helped the Lords handle the politics, it was a small price to pay. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: If I'd been a little bit less proud of myself, the queen might not have blamed the Lords for what happened. I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

4 - Mourn Watch Place Nevarran Urn Baron Van Markham. You wanted the undead to rule Nevarra… but you forgot about the Mourn Watch. Then after I put you down, the Mourn Watch sent me away with Varric to stop the noble families from complaining.

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: The Mourn Watch is supposed to protect the world from dangers outside the realms of the living. That's what I did… even if it wasn't politically convenient. Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: The Mourn Watch protects the world from dangers outside the realms of the living, which I did… But I guess that includes dealing with the consequences. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: If I'd considered, found some way to stop the baron without destroying him and angering half of Nevarra… I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

5 - Shadow Dragon Place Broken Chains I helped a lot of Minrathous slaves escape to freedom the night I met Varric. Then the magisters cracked down in retaliation, and the Shadow Dragons decided I was too much trouble to keep around.

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: We could have taken a stand and dared the magisters to come after us. At least people are free because of what I did. Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: I'm never going to apologize for freeing slaves… but I hope the Shadow Dragons got through the backlash safely. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: I was so proud of myself… and then the Venatori backlash put a lot of Shadow Dragons in danger. I'm never going to apologize for freeing slaves, but… I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

6 - Veil Jumper Place the Elven Artifact Fragment Rook: This piece is all that's left of the artifact that trapped Varric and the others in Arlathan Forest the day we met. Only thing left of my time with the Veil Jumpers, too. Strife said he didn't want to see me again until I'd gotten some sense pounded into my head.

Dialogue options:

I made the right call. Rook: Being a Veil Jumper means taking risks. Strife of all people should've understood that. Scene ends.

I suppose it was fair. Rook: I'll never regret saving everyone, but I probably could've been more apologetic about disobeying orders. Hope I can make it right with Strife one day. Scene ends.

I was impulsive. Rook: Looking back on it… Strife was right. If I hadn't been lucky, I could've gotten a lot of people killed. I have to get better at seeing the big picture. Scene ends.

Next: Race and Class Decor

[afkhowstrange]

My Merlin’s lore and afkj headcanons

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!

English isn’t my first language, i can’t write a decent story so i’m gonna yap the hell out of her lore:

- She goes by Rose since it was the only thing remained in her head the moment she woke up with severe memory loss or rather wiped.

- Thank god Merlin aka the not-yet-amnesiac-Rose left her a note filled with rules:

Dura’s orders and these following rules are the utmost things you should obey

1. If encounter a hypofiend, kill on sight

2. Keep moving forward, there’s no point of looking at your past

3. Help those who are in need if possible

4. Enjoy your new life, live to your heart’s content

5. Treat those you consider friends generously

6. Be well prepared for what’s to come, believe in yourself

Supreme Magister Merlin, Rose.

Rose was very skeptical of this note but later on, no one seemed to understand the language written on the note so it’s real legit she thinks.

- Merlin also left her infinite scroll filled with spells, incantations, hexes, jinxes and curses in alphabetical order, in a language only she could read of course. The only difficulty was to learn them all over again.

- The time when Rose goes into avatar state was actually Dura protecting her.

- Hammie helped Rose a lot with how to use magic. The little familiars were shocked and uneased that their master lost her memories all of a sudden, but as time goes by, they got used to the new magister eventually. The fact that the iconic traits of their master is still there, helped them feel at ease.

- Can’t say the same with Rose though, girl got existential crisis and impostor syndrome after finding out her magic (aside from the spells that Dura blessed her) is weak as hell compared to the great magister Merlin that Hogan and Mirael knew.

- She burned her ass out later on, learing spells, training in combat with Chippy, trying to reach people’s expectations of the great Merlin, if people find out their protector, Dura’s chosen one is a wimp, they’ll lose their faith.

Now, onto my headcanons of afkj’s lore

These multiple people holding out to the swords isn’t Merlin, they’re the fallen god’s Chosen ones.

I think these lines explained it well. Gosh i love Waves of intrigue.

Multiple heroes wielding swords, only one holding a torch, that’s our Magister Merlin!

If you’re sad that our Merlin doesn’t have a sword, worry not, they got a pretty sick one right here 👇 keep in mind that Phraesto is 205cm tall and this sword is longggg

And that’s it, thank you for reading, there’s more about Rose and her past rocking in the Inmortal war but that’s for another day, my phone is lagging as i was writing these words :,(

Here have some art! …yeah i isekai-ed my oc to Esperia to be Merlin so that’s why she got that hairstyle.

[bunnybird-afk]

Questions about your Magister (now with +5 more questions🤣):

1. So what's his connection to the Maulers/ Dusk Lord anyway?

2. Does he have a love interest?

3. Is he a Mauler..?

4. If so what abilities or powers does he have?

5. Also like I'm 89% sure it's cannon, but what's his connection to Dura?

6. Does he have a specific magic he uses?

7. Who are his parents?

8. Where did he come from?

9. What's his opinion on holding the title "Merlin"?

10. What's personality?

11. Is he rich...?

12. What's his worst fear?

13. Does he hate any in-game characters?

14. Does he have hobbies?

15. What type of people does he get along with?

Thank you so much for this ask! I am so excited to ramble on about Sena! I have been cooking up his lore for almost a month now but haven't been able to put it together coherently so this really helps!

Warning: Long Post

Some brief background:

Sena is a former 'god' of Esperia, though he technically hasn't held an official place in the pantheon since long before the Divine War, having asked for his name to be struck from the records for certain reasons. While he retained much of his original power at first, his divine core was shattered by Ygdris during the Immortal War, leading to Sena being absorbed into the leylines to rest and heal until the war was over. Afterwards, he awakens with no memories, helps Esperia with its troubles and then returns to the leylines when his life force is depleted. This cycle repeats itself a total of three times so far, with the most recent being the in-game canon.

1) Sena's connection to the Dusk Lord/the Maulers?

While most Esperian's might consider it blasphemous, the Age of the Gods wasn't nearly as prosperous or perfect as one might think. Being a fledgling god who didn't yet have his own title, Sena was often looked down upon by some of the less benevolent deities in Esperia's pantheon (most of whom have been long forgotten).

The Dusk Lord was one of the few gods who viewed Sena as what he was at the time, a child in need of guidance. Thus the Dusk Lord took him under his wing, taught him about Esperia and what it meant to be a god. Even taught him how to fight should the need arise.

Through the Dusk Lord, Sena met the Maulers. The first mortals that Sena ever encountered. The first people Sena ever met. The Dusk Lord taught Sena about his people and about their cultures, telling the godling that his wish was for his people to be strong. To be tenacious so that they could handle the harsh realities of the world even without his guidance.

While the Dusk Lord tried to teach Sena how to be a god, Sena immersed himself in the culture and community around him and instead learnt something far more important. How to be a person.

2) Sena's love interest(s)?

While Sena has had partners over the eons, there where very few instances he could point to that he'd consider love. The first of these instances was a mage by the name of Merlin, the first mage to ever exist in Esperia. Merlin was gentle and compassionate and selfless, and Sena found himself inexplicably drawn to them. They were perfect. But they were mortal... After they passed, Sena took up the title of 'Merlin' as a way to remember them and to continue their mission of protecting and helping Esperia.

During the Immortal War, Sena fought side-by-side with the Celestials, wanting to safeguard Esperia's people from the threat of the Hypogeans. During this time, Sena grew close to Dionel, and while the two may have shared a few tender moments and had occasionally found comfort in each other's arms, they soon realized that their feelings for each other were more platonic than romantic. To this day, Sena considers Dionel his closest friend, and it would seem as though the feeling is mutual.

After losing his memories the second time, Sena wakes up near Holistone and soon meets Hogan who was still a young recruit in the Lightbearer army. Having no memory of his own past and believing himself a mortal, Sena ends up working closely with Hogan and eventually feelings start to bloom between the two (despite a rocky start). Over the next decade or so, Sena and Hogan grow closer and closer, and though they make their affections for each other obvious, the word 'love' remains unspoken. Things between the two 'end' when Hogan gets called to duty, asked to serve the Lightbearer Empire in some scuffles that had broken out with the Maulers near the border to the Ashen Wastes. Hogan asks Sena to come with him, using the excuse that they could use the help of a mage like him. Sena asks Hogan to stay, knowing that he might not make it back alive. They both decline out of a sense of duty, though those feelings continue to linger. To the point where Sena returns to Holistone after the war to wait for Hogan having heard news of his return, though Sena is resting in the leylines again before they can be reunited. (Though, Sena has accidentally acquired an adopted son during his time back at Holistone, one that would soon go on to cause Hogan no shortage of trouble).

3) Is Sena a Mauler?

Not in the traditional sense. Sena's divine form was an almagamation of the different factions, though he doesn't inherently belong to any given one. During his time wandering Esperia, he tends to try to fit in with the people around him, hence him taking on more Mauler like characteristics when in the Ashen Wastes and more Wilder characterstics when in the Dark Forest. Though considering the Dusk Lords words and Sena's own feelings about the Ashen Wastes, in his heart Sena is more of a Mauler than he is any other faction.

4) Sena's Abilities/Powers?

While Sena has the standard Merlin abilities we see in game, he also has a few innate abilities that stuck around from when he was still a god. This includes Sena coming across as very amicable and persuasive, and on rare occasions being able to tap into his Divine Authority. Overall, Sena also exudes an air of comfort, making others around him feel at ease even in the toughest of times.

5) Sena's connection with Dura?

Like the Dusk Lord, Dura was on of the few gods who didn't completely disregard Sena's existence. Though while the Dusk Lord viewed Sena's naivety as something he needed time and help growing out of, Dura viewed it as a reason why Sena needed to be protected and nurtured. In a sense she was another one of Sena's mentors growing up. While the Dusk Lord taught him to be strong, resilient and tenacious, Dura had taught him to be gentle, caring and compassionate. And unlike most of the other gods, Dura seemed to genuinely love her people, wanting to protect them and nurture them, ensuring that they thrived and prospered. And at the end of the day, Sena wanted to help her fulfill that desire though it would be centuries until he could actually be of any assistance to her.

6) Sena's Magic?

Sena's magic is derived directly from the leylines themselves, allowing him to use magic in its purest form, though without his divinity this tends to take an immense toll on him should he overexert himself. Apart from that, Sena has a form of charmspeak that allows him to compell the truth from others, and often persuade them into doing certain things, though he often forgets this ability in his amnesia only to remember it later, though even then he uses it sparingly, not liking the feeling of influencing others free will.

7/8) Who are his Parents/Where did he come from?

Being a former god, Sena doesn't really have parents. Like most gods, he simply awoke one day in the Realm of the Gods, born of a concept that had become prominent enough to warrant having its own deity. Though unlike most gods, Sena had no clue what he was the god of at first, not feeling any real affinity for anything present in the Realm of the Gods.

So in that sense, Sena didn't really have parents. In fact he didn't really understand the concept until almost a millenium later, watching as Mauler father excitedly scooped his cub into a hug after their first steps. Sen had found it heartwarming though still unrelatable.

Though if Sena were to think about it now (once he has his memories back atleast), if anyone had been a father to him, it would have been the Dusk Lord. And well, Dura had always called him her child, even if she hadn't really meant it in the familial sense (though Sena found himself secretly hoping that she did).

9) Sena's opinion on being Merlin?

While the title had started as a way for him to honour somone he cared for, it's since then grown to represent so much more to him. To Sena, being Merlin means shouldering the responsibility for Esperia's well-being. Not just dealing with big threats, but also caring for the Esperian people on a personal level. It represents the wishes of all those who loved him, and now his own wishes too. Afterall, it's his responsibility as Esperia's last living god.

10) Sena's personality?

Growing up Sena had been well-meaning and quiet sharp, though it was usually hidden behind his jovial demeanor. Even back then, however, Sena had a touch of recklessness and anarchy to him that caused Dura no shortage of concern (and the Dusk Lord no shortage of amusement). And though he eventually matured and grew more calm and measured, his charming personality and slight spark of chaos never quiet left him. And whenever Sena loses his memory, his personality reverts to being somewhere in the middle of those two states of being.

11) Is Sena Rich?

Pretty much, though that's more thanks to Dolly than anything else. After becoming Sena's retainer, she took her duties very seriously, handling just about everything that Sena may need help with (excluding magecraft). That included handling Sena and the Mystical House's finances, as well as updating Sena on any news that may pique his interest. She's also the one responsible for helping Sena to adjust to life in Esperia whenever he returns from the leylines, including making sure he has the correct currency and is dressed for the times (thank you, Dolly, for keeping Sena fashionable).

12) Sena's worst fear?

Losing sight of what it means to be a person. Sena has never cared much for his divinity, but he would cling to every last shred of humanity he has in his soul.

13) Does Sena hate any characters?

Berial and Reinier. Sena hates Berial because of the joy he takes in making mortals suffer. He's needlessly cruel, even by Hypogean standards and seems to genuinely enjoy the harm he causes (unlike Phraesto who Sena finds oddly amicable).

He also strongly dislikes Reinier due to his obsession with perfection. While in itself not abhorrent, the lengths Reinier goes to to achieve his idea of 'perfection' is disturbing to Sena who's seen the way his actions have hurt people. And on a more personal note, the way Reinier desecrates the monuments of the old gods, bastardizing their image and deceiving their followers never fails to have pure rage bubbling up in Sena's chest. Blasphemy doesn't really bother him, but seeing this hypogean spit on the legacy of those he knew and loved just crosses a line for Sena.

14) Sena's Hobbies?

Being Merlin doesn't really give Sena a lot of free time, though when he does get it, he's using it to completely immerse himself in the local culture. Talking to people, helping out around whatever town they're in, eating local delicacies, sampling signature drinks, listening to music, and reading their books and poems. In hindsight, being Merlin probably is the best job for Sena considering that it gives him an excuse to travel.

15) What type of people does Sena get along with?

Sena tends to get along with just about anyone so long as they aren't cruel or closed-minded, though he does have his favourites. Usually those who have the same type of well-meaning chaos and recklessness that he does.

[sunstoner]

happy pride people of the internet

is your gender a bit fucky? are you tired of the same old same old honorifics? are you simply just bored and looking for some reading material? well youre in luck!

in my scouring of this site ive yet to find one giant list of alternate honorifics/prefixes/titles or whatever you want to call them (maybe i didnt look hard enough, who knows) so i decided "fuck it! let me make my own." it took a while to find these and i definitely have to thank the gender census for a lot of them. (note: this is probably not all possible prefixes! these are just what i could find and what i could find pronunciations for (excluding part 4). feel free to mention any others & their pronunciations!)

anyways! continue below the part

part one: matching

these honorifics/prefixes/titles look similar enough to mr/ms/mrs/miss while also not being those. and no, its not just mx! note: for space purposes there may be a list of titles with one pronunciation

1. m.

can be pronounced em, mist, messer, master, or magister

2. m*.

pronounced miss-star

3. ma.

pronounced mistra

4. me.

can be pronounced mew or messer

5. mg.

can be pronounced mage or magister

6. mir.

pronounced mir

7. msc. ; misc.

pronounced misk, shortened from miscellaneous

8. mist. ; mrm. ; msm. ; mtr.

pronounced mistrum

9. ml.

pronounced mistrel

10. mm.

can be pronounced mistum or mistrum

11. mn.

pronounced mine

12. mnt.

pronounced mount

13. mq.

can be pronounced mick or marquis

14. mre.

can be pronounced mistree or mystery

15. mrsr.

pronounced merser

16. mrw.

pronounced morrow

17. mry. ; mse. ; mys. ; myst.

pronounced mystery

18. msr.

can be pronounced messr or misser

19. msry.

pronounced misry

20. mssr.

pronounced messer

21. mst.

pronounced mist

22. mstr.

pronounced master

23. mt.

can be pronounced mount or mistrum

24. mtx.

pronounced matrix

25. mu.

pronounced as written

26. mv.

pronounced maverique

27. mw.

can be pronounced mew or morrow

28. mx.

can be pronounced mix, mex, mux, mixter, mistrum, or monselle

29. mxr.

pronounced mixer

30. myr.

pronounced myster

31. mz.

pronounced miz

32. mzr.

can be pronounced mezzir or mezzer

part two: branching

these honorifics/prefixes/titles are the same as part one, but they look different from the "default" format. so many letters. note: for space purposes there may be a list of titles with one pronunciation

1. an.

pronounced any

2. c. ; cap. ; capt. ; cpt. ; cptn. ; ct.

pronounced captain

3. cd. ; cde. ; cmd. ; cmr. ; cmrd. ; com.

pronounced comrade

4. cit. ; ctz. ; cz. ; czn.

pronounced citizen

5. cnst.

pronounced constellation

6. cr.

can be pronounced comrade or cryptid

7. de.

pronounced done

6. div.

pronounced div, shortened from individual

7. dm.

pronounced dame

8. dr.

pronounced doctor

9. drst.

pronounced dearest

10. em.

pronounced as written

11. en.

can be pronounced enby or entity

12. ent.

pronounced entity

13. eu.

pronounced eunuch

14. fh.

pronounced fellow human

15. fw.

pronounced fellow worker

16. hm.

pronounced human

17. hon.

pronounced on, shortened from honorable

18. hx.

pronounced hex

19. ind.

pronounced as written, shortened from individual

20. inv.

pronounced inevitable

21. jan.

pronounced as written

22. lic.

pronounced licenciature

23. nb.

pronounved en bee, shortened from nonbinary

24. nl.

pronounced null

25. nr.

pronounced nister

26. nx.

can be pronounced nix or nex

27. per. ; pr.

can be pronounced per or person

28. phl.

pronounced philosophe

29. prof.

pronounced professor

30. rab.

pronounced rabbi

31. rev.

pronounced reverand

32. sai.

pronounced sigh

33. san.

pronounced as written

34. ser.

can be pronounced ser or serah

35. sr.

can be pronounced sir or serrah

36. syr.

pronounced as written

37. sys.

pronounced system

38. the.

pronounced as written

39. tr.

can be pronounced ter or teacher

40. vd.

pronounced void

41. vr.

pronounced ver

42. vx.

can be pronounced vix or vex

43. xr.

pronounced xer

44. zr.

can be pronounced zir or zeester

part three: sir? ma'am?

these honorifics are specifically meant to replace the sir/ma'am words. they feel different than the other ones so they get their own part.

1. boss

2. captain

3. chief

4. comrade

5. friend

6. gentile

7. m'ir

8. sa'am

9. sai

10. tiz

11. xir

12. zir

part four: how do you say...

these honorifics are ones i couldnt find pronunciations for... if you know em lmk please & thanks 🫰🏾

1. sn.

thats it, i couldnt find a pronunciation for it but i thought it was cool 🤸🏾

thats all folks

i might update depending on the responses i get and anything else i find :)

last edits: 3 jun 2024

[a-drama-addict]

3 for sabri and 6 for valda!!!

HELLO THIS IS A LITTLE LATE BUT THANK YOU FOR THE ASK!!!

Sabri | 3. a report written by your OC’s teacher or mentor

Report: Sarbi Ingellvar

Young Watcher Ingellvar is a most eager student. She wishes to over-perform in my class, perhaps to compensate for the fact she cannot cast spells like her peers can.

She is an intelligent girl, for what it is worth, and delights in the learning of Neverran history and the history of Thedas as a whole. She is very knowledgeable

Ingellvar has skipped class once this year for, and I quote, 'Researching a beetle that had crept into the Necropolis.' She named it Vorgoth.

— Report from Professor Pendelton, Sabri's history teacher

Valda | 6. someone describing a time your OC helped them

(The note is written in scribbled shaky handwriting)

Hello,

I do not know if you remember me. My name is Cecilius, I am one of the former slaves you and your friends saved. It was maybe a year ago- but I remember it clirly clearly.

You were the one that got me out. You picked the locks on my chain faster than the Magister had ever locked it on. You held my hand as we walked out. You made us food, real food.

I am now in the Free Marches, as you suggested. A really kind man has helped me practice reading and writing and has offered me a job in his Tavern. I help him make food now, breads and sweats sweets mostly. My favourite food is his vegetable soup.

I never would've gotten here without you. I hope this letter reaches you!

Kind regards, Cecillius and Harland

— A letter found in Valda Mercar's pack, dated circa 9:49 Dragon, the letter looks like it has been neatly folded and reread many times.

[daitranscripts]

Doom Upon All the World Conversations

Blackwall

Doom Upon All the World Masterpost

The PC finds Blackwall standing near the fireplace.

Choice dependent dialogue:

Given to the Wardens [1]

Free to atone [2]

Imprisoned [3]

1 - Given to the Wardens Blackwall: “Helped stop an ancient magister darkspawn.” Not every Warden-Recruit gets to say that. Thanks to you, I do.

Dialogue options:

General: You played an essential part. [4]

General: I’m a helper. [5]

General: It gives you credibility. [6]

4 - General: You played an essential part. PC: We couldn’t have done it without you. Blackwall: You’ve done enough for me. Forget the flattery. [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 5 - General: I’m a helper. PC: That’s me! Helping people prove themselves to future employers. Blackwall: (Chuckles.) [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 6 - General: It gives you credibility. PC: After impersonating one of their own, you’ll need that clout to win over the Wardens. Blackwall: I’m glad you’re still willing to tell it to me straight. [10]

2 - Free to atone Blackwall: All this pomp and ceremony? Can’t top seeing that bastard Corypheus burn. No matter what happens to me now, I can say I was there. I helped you bring him down.

Dialogue options:

General: We did it together. [7]

General: And survived! [8]

General: There’ll be more like him. [9]

7 - General: We did it together. PC: It took all of us, but we did it. Blackwall: I shudder to think where we’d be without you leading us. [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 8 - General: And survived! PC: And lived to tell the tale! [10] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 9 - General: There’ll be more like him. PC: It’s not over. It’s never over. There’s always someone who steps out of line. Blackwall: You sure know how to ruin a party. Look, let’s just focus on the good for now. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: So now that you’ve saved the world, what’s next? Hoping to put it all back together?

Dialogue options:

General: It’s a tremendous task. [11]

General: Might as well. [12]

General: Hope is useless. [13]

11 - General: It’s a tremendous task. PC: It’ll be a huge undertaking. Blackwall (low approval): Well, I still hope you know what you’re doing. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

12 - General: Might as well. PC: Someone has to fix things. Might as well be me. Blackwall (low approval): Let’s hope you don’t make it worse. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

13 - General: Hope is useless. PC: It’s going to take action, not hope. Blackwall (low approval): Well, I still hope you know what you’re doing. Blackwall (romanced): If anyone can do it, you can. And I’ll be right by your side. Blackwall (high approval): If anyone can do it, you can. If you ever need my help, you know where to find me. I’ll be ready. [14]

14 - Scene ends.

3 - Imprisoned Blackwall: So it’s over. The battle’s finally won. The Breach sealed and Corypheus dead.

Dialogue options:

General: You did good work. [15]

General: And we’re alive. [16]

General: And you think all’s forgiven? [17]

15 - General: You did good work. PC: You played a big part. I won’t forget it. [18] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 16 - General: And we’re alive. PC: He’s dead, we’re not. All things considered, good day. Blackwall: (Chuckles.) [18] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 17 - General: And you think all’s forgiven? PC: I haven’t forgotten your lie, Rainier. You think your part in this somehow absolves you? Blackwall: Clearly it doesn’t. [18]

18 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: You may never forgive me for what I did, but thank you anyway. You gave me the chance to fight for something. Somethings good.

Scene ends.

[yohohonabottle]

'Achilles Kore', All-Mather

Race: Night nymph (Vampire) Height: 153 cm (without boots)/ 160 cm Gender: Male

Ioan Hestios, also known under the aliases of 'Pirin' and 'Stranja' is one of my oldest characters... And the one that nowadays often seems to end up being a parental figure, adopting on accident. Yet abandons none of his 'children' nevertheless and cares deeply for them all. Driven by deeply fierce determination of his compassionate heart, he is a protector of the home and families- A solemn warden of bloodlines.

Playlist of character themes: <> Allies: Esperians Ludovic Whiteridge - Best friend and partner (spouse?) Valen - Friend, former partner Sinbad - Best friend, former partner Soren & Alsa - Adoptive children Berial - Knight and best friend Carolina - Friend

Enemies: Bantus Empire The Temple Celestials

Merlin - Employer (?)

Early life: As a night nymph, endlessly reincarnating spirit, Stranja has gone through many lifetimes. Rumors say he has as many cycles as the great Magister Merlin himself.. But he merely laughs it off, neither confirming or denying. Mather's past is a mystery not unraveled still to this day, save for one-- The youngest son of the Whiteridge family. However when asked, Ludovic refuses to divulge information, offering a stern but polite reminder that it's not his story to share. Carolina is no different, neither is Berial... The sinister jester only offered these words, quoting Stranja: "I don't want anyone to suffer in the ways I have." An answer that brings a lot more questions, yet he stays muted. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Current life: A free, fearless wanderer whom leaps into adventures along with his friend (and suspected partner, possible husband). The two have very rarely been seen apart, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with remarkable and fierce loyalty to one another. Often joined by the clown Hypogean and Carolina on their travels to new horizons.

Other times, one can glimpse Pirin guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife after calming them. It is rather surprising how this 'faux Graveborn' or 'false Wilder' brings the Graveborns to life, giving them a fiery spirit and great energy... Those members of the faction whom are not hostile and enemies to him, at least. Many speculate that he can appease even the wildest beast with his haunting voice, and thaw the coldest hearts with his own saintly demeanor.

Or instill terror in his foes when faced with him on the battlefield. "Since you don't want peace- Have the axe (war)." -Stranja

Main theme - Vladimir's theme

Ultimate: "Perish." Mather forsakes his humanoid appearance in favor of turning the tide into his favor, turning or more like reverting back into a bat form. Yet no one sees the transformation occur, only a stray lightning bouncing from enemy to enemy in rapid succession that lands a critical strike to each-- Cutting a large chunk of their HP. And applies life drain/bleed debuff onto them for a set duration of 3-6 seconds.

* Recovers 3-5% of his own HP for each enemy unit hit while sacrificing 10-15% of his energy.

Deploy: "This would be...fun." Victory: "Onto our next objective." Defeat: "It..never...ends...." A tired sigh. First recruitment: "Need someone dealt with?" -------------------------------===----------------------------------------

Resonance hall idles: "We can't afford slacking off. Let's move out." "Cherish what you have while you still can. ...Before the hour of mourning the inevitable loss comes."

Affinity gifts: "Thanks." "I can almost hear them sing....My home.." (When given Flowers) ".....The transgressions, will be accounted for." (Starlight cup & Celestial sword)

-= Affinity tales =-

1| Described as a most benevolent, compassionate, gentle and loving soul - Or so those close to Pirin often claim. However most people meeting him for the first time often raise a skeptical brow, a chill running down their spine at meeting the enigma's stern gaze.

2| It's said that evoking Mather's ire is the most unwise decision one can possibly make... Thankfully Stranja isn't easy to anger, contrary to his near constantly annoyed or disapproving scowl.

3| Many joke that Pirin is akin to a gladiator walking unto an arena with how stiffly and surely he marches forth, gaze void of emotion. Few realize how this offhanded joke is much closer to the truth...

4| A cold, guarded heart that has been thawed and pierced to bleed twice, or so Valen jokes with wan wryness. "Don't get fooled by the icy barrier, Vanya is quite an affectionate dove - Granted you prove being trusted isn't a mistake. Otherwise you're faced with retribution swiftly. ..I don't recommend the latter." - Valen after a round at Traveler's Light

5| Somewhere along his journey as Merlin's unwilling substitute and subordinate, Stranja came across a lone, melancholic-looking noble boy in the forest. His presence seems to have miraculously healed the Graveborn's aches both of body and mind, to Ludovic's great surprise and piqued fascination, interest. That, along with the aura of warmth, tranquility and love that radiates from him like the sun's rays... The two have kept in-touch since.

6| "I witnessed my kin be hunted like animals, my family sing for the last time before meeting their end at the hunters' cruel hands. And neither the gods, or Celestials so much as batted an eye. Played deaf, blind and stupid." -Mather to Sir Lucius and to Temesia in an indignant hiss. The two Templars called it slander....yet can't look him in the eye to this day.

7| A much less known side of the All-Mather, is his playfulness and lively hyper-energy. Even less known is his tendency to run up to those he deems close and give surprise hug attacks, and how keenly-eyed he is. Primary victims are Valen, Sinbad, Ludovic, Carolina and the Uru clan. Though they seem to not mind it. The hugs at least. Having a hyperactive ball of energy run around them and pounce then jump off, and repeat the pattern can be...overwhelming.

8| To many, Ludovic Whiteridge appears as usual - A youth, however that is deceiving. For he took a potion to permanently alter his body to "Align properly with my true age, rather than reflect when I perished." A clean break from the past...Or so he claims in the public eye, merely keeping his old appearance as decoy to throw off a certain king and kingdom. What the Earl, now dazzling young man, omits -Is that he has become an item with Pirin. ..Should one pay closer attention to his left hand, a wedding ring would greet. Furthermore his eyes light up with quiet, excited joy whenever he catches sight of his Muse.

9| "...Vic can get a little...carried away at times." - Stranja, talking about his partner. And the man himself doesn't deny, merely offering an innocent look in return.

10| Something seems to be off about Mather... A nervous buzz. As for a certain someone - He appears to be in good spirits, set on preparations for a new life joining them. "Can a Graveborn be a father...?" - "Only one way to find out...soon enough." --Lorsan and Berial talking while the Windwhisperer was visiting the personal manor.

[tobythewise]

Time for another DAtober! This time the theme is The Calling featuring Zevran/Alistair being shmoopy together!

Written for @serrantalot! Happy late birthday!! <3

“I should be at Weisshaupt,” Alistair says softly, barely above a whisper. His eyes are closed as gentle fingers run through his hair, his head in Zevran’s lap. “I should be working with the Wardens, explaining everything that’s happened with-” his words trail off and he gestures with his hand, knowing Zevran will understand. 

He does. Because of course he does. 

Zevran chuckles softly, the noise warming Alistair’s chest. He opens his eyes, finding pretty golden eyes looking down at him. 

“You worry too much, my dear warden.”

“And you don’t worry enough,” he says right away but he’s smiling when he says it. 

They both know they’ve been working their asses off. This is the first time they’ve been able to be together in so long. Alistair has missed this, missed him. 

Zevran has been dismantling the crows as much as he can without actually being in Antiva. Any time a crow dares to take a contract on Fereldan soil, they somehow are either led on a wild goose chase or end up at the end of Zevran’s blade. Alistair really needs to reevaluate his life because he’s pretty certain he’s not supposed to find that as attractive as he does. 

Alistair on the other hand, has been busy trying to figure out why the wardens are all hearing the calling all at once. Instead of deciding blood magic was a good idea, he’d worked with the inquisitor to find the cause. Turns out some magister turned god is fucking with their heads. 

Just thinking about it has the song springing forward, ringing through his head until he’s certain his ears will start bleeding. His body tenses but he quickly relaxes as Zevran starts to hum. Alistair latches onto his voice, letting it ground him. 

He lets out a long breath. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” His fingers touch the earring Alistair has taken to wearing, a gift from Zevran a decade ago. He still teases him about the way he’d been the one fumbling over his words for once. 

“I’ve missed you. Can we just stay here?”

Zevran practically curls himself in half in order to kiss Alistair’s forehead. “Yes. We can stay here, just like this.”

“How about forever?”

“That could be arranged. Though I fear you will grow bored very quickly, mi amor.”

Alistair lifts his hand, cupping Zevran’s cheek as best as he can. “I could never grow bored with you. We’re always on the run or saving the world. I’m tired, Zev. I just want to be with you.”

“Then it will be so.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It couldn’t be further from the truth,” he says with a grin. He turns his head and kisses Alistair’s palm. “But you are worth the effort.”

Part of him doesn’t believe this is even real, he’s somehow still trapped in the Fade instead of Hawke. To prove it’s real, he pulls Zevran into another kiss. Not even the Fade could replay a moment this perfect.  

[oopsallmabari]

another oc codex prompt, submitted by @creaking-skull . ty again jay <3

15. a letter to your OC from a companion they haven’t seen in a while

A letter recovered in Inquisitor Arya Trevelyan’s chambers in Skyhold, found neatly folded amidst the pages of a tome titled ‘Flos Duellatorum’, a rare treatise on battle techniques and spirit blade duelling compiled by Knight-Enchanter Fiore dei Libeiri of Antiva in approximately 6:32 Steel.

My dear Inquisitor, I am glad to hear from you after so long. I had heard that you and Cullen were spending time traveling now that things have quieted down: reuniting with family is a wonderful thing. My duty to the reformed Circle of Magi continues to keep me in Orlais, otherwise I might have endeavored to visit Bann Trevelyan in person. My thanks for connecting us: though you’ve done much to encourage the people’s trust in mages, it would be foolish to believe that all tensions had been eliminated outright. As I’m sure you’ve seen, the further one ventures from Skyhold, the more cracks begin to show. That your brother is interested in collaborating to ensure that peace in Ostwick lasts speaks well of his character. But to the crux of your letter to me, darling. I consider it a privilege that you would share your struggles with me, and be assured that I will keep your confidence. It has been scarcely more than a year since I lost my darling Bastien, but I have not forgotten what you did for me. Nor have I forgotten what it is like when illness creeps in and overwhelms all other focus. I have spent time referencing our libraries and consulting some of our scholars better versed in the metaphysics of the Fade, but unsurprisingly, we have no records referencing this sort of…Veil poisoning, as you called it, and very minimal theories on how one might stop its progression. I have begun preparing some alchemical concoctions to dull the pain while maintaining what mobility you have in your arm. Make a quick detour to Skyhold before you continue on to Honnleath; I will have one of my enchanters hand-deliver the potions to you. I’ll include some unrelated tomes in the chest—if Cullen asks, tell him that it is simply a personal gift from the Circle, a gesture of goodwill. In addition, I would request that while you are there, you permit the enchanter to conduct a thorough examination of your arm. Your description of your symptoms proved useful, but I will need more detail if we are to determine a cure. It is a shame that Solas disappeared so quickly after Corypheus was defeated. Given his knowledge of the magister’s orb, he may have been the one most equipped to assist you. But you needn’t worry, dear, we will resolve your dilemma in due time. You have all the resources of the Grand Enchanter at your disposal. You only need ask. Yours, Grand Enchanter Vivienne de Fer

A postscript, found on the back of the letter:

I would not endeavor to pry into your business, darling. But I would suggest telling Cullen the truth of it. You do him no kindness to hide your suffering until it is too late. I would know.

[mako-designated-driver]

Day #3: A Magister's Needs

Dearest sister:

It's been an age since I've written, but I simply had to thank you! Your advice was perfect. Just a few gossips bought with gold and everyone in Minrathous thought Quirinus and I were the most dreadful rivals. It let us indulge our little love affair without his wretched family interfering, if only for a little while.

Quirinus himself sadly turned out to be less ideal. I caught him carrying on behind my back, with a soporati of all things. Can you imagine? There was nothing for it. During the quarrel, I threw boiling water at his face. Let his soporati kiss the scars better.

He's cowering in his mansion now, pretending he was hurt in a duel. No doubt he'll want revenge. Don't worry, dear sister. I took precautions. Don't tell anyone, but my master taught me a few secrets that should keep me safe. The ritual cost me the mansion's kitchen slave. Lenna, I think she was called? But I've enough power now to keep Quirinus from trying anything foolish. Kitchen slaves can be bought by the dozen at the market, so there's no harm in it.

I feel wonderful, dear sister. Won't you come for Wintersend this year? I'll have my new slave trained to make your favorite lemon cakes by then. It'll be perfect.

—Letter from Magister Delphine to her sister Aulia, 8:65 Blessed

[blarrghe]

haven't promoted this story in a minute because idk I got tired of tumblr and took a sort of break. Tomorrow I will be posting ch. 14, which is halfway through the story, so it's a great time to pick up...

The Hunter The Snake and the Fox

Rating: M | Category: M/M | Words: 27 081 | Chapters 13/28

Summary:

When Magister Dorian Pavus' expedition meets unexpectedly with a clan of unhappy Dalish elves, First Taren Lavellan may be the unhappiest among them. Unhappier still to be put to the task of helping to see his quest through. This is the tale of how a fortnight in the forests of the Free Marches can change everything.

And here's a long snippet from Ch. 3 for some Drama:

A sliver of light shone briefly in from a crack in the tent, and a leather-clad elf stomped through it. The elf barked something out towards the tent flap, and before Dorian could muster more than a groan, he stomped out again. Dorian blinked a few times after the fading blur of light.

Minutes went by. Possibly hours. Dorian’s head hurt. He tugged on the binds at his wrists, bending them uncomfortably this way and that. It only seemed to tighten them, so he stopped. His head began to clear. More time passed. He attempted to count the minutes. When the elf returned again, Dorian managed a few inquiring calls for attention. Things like, “Where are the others?”, and, “damnit, I’m talking to you!” His calls went ignored.

The elf poked his head back out into the bright daylight beyond the dark tent, and shouted something in grumpy Elvhen. Another elf soon pushed through the flap, they stomped grimly forward together, and then one on either side hoisted Dorian up by the elbows. 

Dorian’s legs were half asleep and still bound, painfully tingling with each jostling step as the two elves dragged him forward. He groaned. The elf on his right barked back something he was sure was an insult. His unwilling legs were dragged on.

Dorian did his best to make his case for answers and mercy as they went. “We have no qualms with you," he pleaded, " I know Tevinter hasn’t historically been kind to your people, but really, this expedition wants nothing to do with you, so if you’d simply let us go on our way…” 

Sharp grunt. 

“You’re making a huge mistake. Kill me, and you’d be inviting a war, do you have any idea who I am?” 

Angry Elvish epithet. 

“Dorian of house Pavus,” he said proudly, “ Magister Pavus as of recently, I have a fortune, you could be handsomely rewarded and —”

Big knife.

“— and a wife! And children! Please!” 

The big knife pressed closer to his throat. There was a bandage there already. 

“Alright! So I don’t have children, or a wife, but I am engaged, and —”

Dorian was shoved through a tent flap by the elf holding the knife, who wound up at his back as his second captor pushed his unstable and bound legs down into a kneel.

“Relax, shemlin,” said a low voice. 

Thank the Maker, Dorian thought, blinking now at the woven mat he’d been forced upon, its zigzagged pattern slowly coming into view in his still foggy vision. Finally, here was someone who spoke the Trade speech. King's Tongue, they called it in the south. Crude. In Tevinter, the nobility still had its own.  

Dorian’s eyes rose from the ground to take in warmly lit canvas walls draped in soft pelts and colourful woven blankets. He knelt near a smouldering fire pit. Smoke was rising up through a narrow hole in the tent’s roof. Through its haze, in a grand and intricately carved wooden seat, sat a man. The man stood, and Dorian watched leather-wrapped feet pace forward, around, circling him. There were more seats, less grand but still intricately carved, all around the fire pit. None sat in them except for one old woman. She sat still and proud, squinting at him through the smoke. 

Dorian lifted his gaze all the way up to the face of the man who was just now finishing his pacing examination of him. An elvhen mage stood before Dorian with his staff planted firmly on the ground between them. He was not tall, but stood in towering regalness over Dorian all the same. His posture was straight, his shoulders strongly set and covered with a heavy green cloak woven through with threads of blue and gold. He wore his deep auburn hair in a long, thick braid hung over one shoulder, and he held his carved, spiralling wooden staff in both hands, emanating power. 

“You are Master Pavus ,” said the standing elf, speaking down to him. 

“Master Pavus was my father,” Dorian replied, flashing the man a winning smile, “as I am evidently your prisoner, it seems only fitting that you simply call me Dorian.” 

DAFF tags list: @warpedlegacy @rakshadow @rosella-writes @effelants @bluewren @breninarthur @ar-lath-ma-cully @dreadfutures @ir0n-angel @inquisimer @crackinglamb @theluckywizard @nirikeehan @oxygenforthewicked @exalted-dawn-drabbles @melisusthewee @agentkatie @delicatefade @leggywillow @about2dance @plisuu

[voidnoidoid]

Weaktober 2024 (10): Dungeon

hi everyone! sorry i haven't been writing, i was busy with midterms then passed out during my week break. gonna get back into the writing groove today with... RPG AU!

-----

The party looked up in terror at the gargantuan beast, huffing sapphire flames through its nostrils. The Ivory Dragon glared threateningly at the band of adventurers, flashing its fangs in a growl.

"Oh shit..." Teddy muttered, clutching his daggers.

"Everyone, run!" Ben yelled, turning to flee from the dragon. Eugene, Gray and Rowan ducked behind a boulder. Gerard, Alex and Teddy squeezed into cracks in the wall. This left Ben, who was running for his life, with no more hiding spots.

Gritting his teeth, Ben turned back towards the dragon and braced himself behind his shield. He hoped to whatever deity watching that it would shield him from the blast of flame. This wasn't what he had in mind when he took on this quest. "It would be easy, they said. Just go in, grab a necklace, and get out they said,"

--- 2 Days Ago ---

It was another bustling day in the Twisted Root guild hall. Parties of mercenaries and adventurers alike were gathered in groups, socializing, resting or gearing up for the next mission. Ben sat at a bench with the rest of his teammates, reading over a mission brief. He was the leader of their party, a brave knight in shining armor! Well, more like second hand armor from his uncle.

Beside him was Alex, a monk trained in barehanded combat and Ben's oldest friend. Leaning back into his chair and whistling a tune was Gerard, bard and fighter. He could strum a tune on his lute just as well as he could kick a guy in the jaw.

Next was Gray, peering at the brief over his shoulder. He graduated top of his class at his sorcerer academy, and was a magic genius. No spell was too complex for him.

Chatting with each other over drinks were Rowan and Teddy, archer and rogue. Rowan's best strength lay not just with his bow but with his gift of the gab, and Teddy was a former foe turned friend.

Finally, walking back from the bathroom, was Eugene; cleric and former classmate of Gray. They went to the same academy, where Eugene decided to become a healer instead of a magister.

"Alright everyone," Ben announced, getting up from his seat and slamming his palms to the table. "Here's what we're gonna do,

"Our mission is to enter the dungeon and descend to the 7th level to retrieve a sacred amulet from the Ivory Dragon's hoard. Right now, it's hibernation season so this job should be easy enough."

"Question," Teddy raised a hand. "What's the reward?"

"Ha ha, thought you might ask. Well, once we return the amulet to this Duke guy, we're gonna get a hundred thousand gold!" Ben laughed.

"Aw sweet!" Rowan grinned, pumping his fist in the air.

"Well then what are we sitting around for? Let's go already." Gerard said, strapping his lute to his back.

And with that, the party descended into the depths of the dungeon, hungry for adventure and a sweet sweet reward.

--------

The journey down to the 7th floor did not pass without difficulty. The first 3 floors were simple enough, but things started heating up once they hit the 4th floor. Literally.

"Yeowch!" Rowan yelped as a stray flame splattered on the back of his hand.

"Careful Rowan," Eugene said. "Here, I'll heal you." He held a palm over the burn and murmured an incantation, green light radiating above it. The burn healed quickly, leaving fresh unbroken skin. Rowan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks man, that was my shooting hand."

"Stay close everyone, don't go falling into the fire pits." Alex said.

The 4th floor, aka the Inferno Floor. It was home to pits of fire and ash, spouts of flame threatening to melt the sturdiest of armor. You couldn't go down here without a competent healer by your side.

*crunch* Ben looked down at his foot, he'd stepped on something. "Huh, an eggshell?"

"Let me take a look," Gray said, heading to the front of the party. "Hm, this looks like a reptile egg. The leathery shell hardened and burnt to a crisp. What's it doing up here"

"You're right, we don't encounter lizard monsters until the 6th floor," Teddy remarked. He didn't look like it, but he was knowledgeable about animals and monsters alike.

"H-hey, look in front," Eugene stammered. "There's something wrong."

Everyone cast their eyes before them and gasped in shock. They were the remains of a large egg, with a burnt mound in the middle. They were down here to kill monsters, but every creature deserved a chance at life. "Poor thing," Eugene said, and prayed over the mound. It glowed, and disappeared into golden sparks.

"Let's keep moving." Ben said. Everyone nodded in agreement and ventured onwards, to the 7th floor.

------

After a few hours of adventuring, the party finally made it to the midpoint of floor 6, the fungus floor. They settled in a clearing filled with bioluminescent mushrooms glowing an array of colors. Everyone sat in a circle to rest their legs and have lunch to regain their energy.

"My uncle always said, you gotta have a balanced diet and a good rest to be ready for what comes ahead!" Ben declared, chowing down into a loaf of sourdough bread.

"Didn't your uncle also survive by eating monsters?" Gerard remarked.

"Yep! Which I think is super cool. You guys ever tried sauteed mandrake?"

"Um, I think I'll pass." Gerard said.

Suddenly, the group heard a rustling coming from behind them. They readied their weapons and waited in silence. More rustling, and hushed voices.

"Stop pushing me, I'm gonna drop it!" Someone hissed in hushed tones.

"Then go faster or Master will kick our asses!"

"I'm just being careful, after SOMEONE dropped the last egg."

"I said I was sorry-"

"Hey," Ben said, "We can hear you. Show yourselves." He drew his sword. Alex and Gerard got into fighting stances. Teddy readied his daggers. Rowan pulled back his bowstring. Gray's staff began to glow. Eugene braced himself.

From among the mushrooms emerged a pair of goblins. One held an egg 3/4 his size in his arms, he looked to be struggling. The other was larger in size and wore a dented helmet.

"Whataya want huh? Can't you see we're busy here?" The smaller one snapped, tossing floppy pink bangs out of his face. Gray's eyes widened with recognition upon seeing the egg, but he kept silent for now.

"What's that you got there?" Ben asked, gesturing at the egg.

"Nunya business!" The pink-haired goblin said.

"Yeah! It's our dragon egg and we're not giving it to you!" The bigger one said, which earned him a kick in the shins. "Ow!"

"Oh now you've done it! Just shut up now!"

"Dragon egg eh? Wonder what you're gonna do with that?" Teddy smirked, twirling his knives. "Sell it? Bet that would fetch a pretty penny." He crept up behind them.

"Why you!" The big goblin attempted to tackle Teddy, but the blonde rogue dodged nimbly to the side, stuck out a leg, and tripped him. "Oof!"

"Helmet! Ugh, whatever. I'm leav- WOAH!"

In a few seconds, both goblins were knocked out and disarmed. Teddy held the egg in his hands. "Hey, this look familiar to you guys?"

"Yes, actually. It seems to be the same type of egg we found earlier. If my assumptions are correct, it looks to be the egg of an Ivory Dragon." Gray said.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"No way..." Eugene said. "We gotta keep that egg safe then!"

The party agreed, and put the egg in Eugene's backpack for safe keeping.

Well rested and with new loot, the party entered the lair of the dragon...

------

...which brought them to this point. The party, upon entering the Ivory Dragon's cave, were met not with a slumbering dragon but with a rampaging one. And the moment it set their sights on the adventurers, it took a few deep sniffs and charged right at them.

"Hrrrgh!" Ben grunted as his shield deflected the dragon's flames. This shield was an heirloom passed down generations of his family. It was used by his uncle as a wok for a time, but now came to him, an unbreakable mithril shield! Finally, the dragon let up on its flames and reared back, coughing. It seemed to have overexerted himself.

"Guys, group up!" The party gathered behind the large boulder while the dragon was recovering after the blast. "Quick, we need a plan," Ben said.

"I have an idea," Gray smiled.

Ben and Alex rushed out from behind the boulder. "Over here you overgrown gecko!" Alex yelled, sticking his tongue out. The dragon roared in fury and began to chase them. Ben and Alex split into different directions and ran circles around the lizard, confusing it. Whirling around rapidly, the dragon soon became dizzy, standing dazed and confused.

"Now!" Ben said, raising his shield. Alex leapt on top of it, and Ben launched him up and above the dragon's head with a mighty heave.

"Yah!" Alex yelled, dived and punched hard right between the dragon's eyes before leaping off and standing beside Ben. Now temporarily blinded, the dragon stomped its feet and thrashed its head around, tail swiping the hoard around it and scattering jewels everywhere.

From the shadows, Teddy darted forth and slashed at the beast's ankle joints, eliciting screeches of pain. Perched on a tall stone growth, Rowan fired enchanted arrows into the back of the dragon's knee which pierced it deeply, bringing the dragon to the ground and staining its white scales red. Its wings twitched in frustration, but thankfully couldn't spread because of the cramped den.

"Roaaaarrrr!" Smoke began to waft from the dragon's nostrils. The dragon opened its jaws wide, charging up a blast of flame. Just then, a fast paced melody sounded from the right as Gerard plucked at the strings of his lute. Everyone felt invigorated, like they could run like the wind.

"Thanks Gerard!" Ben called as he, Alex and Teddy ran like lighting away from the flames and the swipes of front claws. However, they were so focused on the front that none of them saw the dragon's tail heading straight for them from behind!

The tail swept towards the three like a snow-white whip but struck a glowing green magical barrier with a "WHAM"! Eugene held out his scepter, chanting an incantation for a barrier spell. He flashed them a smile.

"...with steel and shadow, metal and magic, come forth and entangle, those ties that bind! Entrap mine enemy, Dominus Catenis!" Gray shouted from before the dragon, dispelling his invisibility ward and completing his incantation. With a wave of his staff, a glowing fuschia magic circle manifested before the dragon. Glowing chains erupted from the circle and wound themselves around the Ivory Dragon, pinning it to the ground and clamping its jaws shut. Finally, the dragon was defeated. It was time to land the killing blow.

Ben approached the dragon, and raised his sword. The dragon whimpered and closed its eyes, a tear rolling down its cheek. Ben's lips quivered, then tightened. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword and-

"Wait!"

Everyone turned to look at Teddy.

"Why? What's wrong?" Gray asked.

"Y-you can't kill her," Teddy said. "She never wanted to kill us in the first place."

"How do you know?" Rowan asked, scratching his head.

"Because, she kept saying stuff about her babies. So, I thought- like- we can't kill her so-"

"YOU CAN TALK TO ANIMALS???" Rowan exclaimed, pointing at Teddy.

"Why didn't you tell us this?" Gray asked.

"Cuz it's embarrassing! Who's gonna take me seriously if I go around talking to animals like some sorta magic princess?"

"Guys calm down! And look over there, at the dragon's nest!" Eugene exclaimed, drawing their attention to the dragon's hoard. Nestled in a pile of gold coins and sparkling trinkets was a nest lined with pelts, cloth, dried leaves and rocks- and it was empty. "It's not hibernation season, it's brooding season! Which means that this dragon is a mother trying to protect her babies," He looked up at the dragon, who peered down at him curiously, as if understanding his intent. Eugene set down his backpack and removed the egg, which was half his size. Gently, he set it down before the dragon and backed away. He looked at Gray, who smiled and released the enchantment.

The chains faded away and the dragon rumbled, nudging the egg towards herself. She cast a meaningful look at Teddy and, holding her egg in one claw, climbed back into her nest and settled down.

"She says thank you, and that we can take one treasure as thanks." Teddy said.

"Well that makes things easier," Ben said with a smile. "Excuse me, Mrs Dragon, do you happen to have an amulet that looks like this?" He showed the poster to the dragon, who nodded and tossed a trinket to him. The amulet! "Thank you ma'am, and sorry for um, attacking you and everything," Ben said sheepishly.

------

After that, the party returned to the Duke and gave him the amulet much to his delight. Everyone went home with the satisfaction of a job well done and much fuller bank accounts.

"So Teddy," Rowan began, "how'd you learn to talk to animals?"

"I- well..."

"C'mon man spit it out. We're buddies right?"

"Hmph fine. I'm from a family of druids. I learnt to talk to animals since I was a kid." Teddy said, a blush creeping up his neck.

"Didn't take you for a softy either," teased Alex.

"HEY!"

"Heheh, Princess Teddy!" Eugene giggled.

"Not you too!"

~ Fin ~

BONUS: if you can guess who Ben's uncle is... you get a prize! The prize of being cool!

[sigridhawke]

High Priestess, Strength, Hanged Man for the Rook asks 👀

Thank you for the asks too!! Time to be very normal about my boy (nonbinary/male) Ettore de Riva aka Ettore Therein-Arainari.

[The ask game in question]

The High Priestess: Which does Rook obey more: their head or their heart?

Without a doubt Ettore follows his heart, sometimes to a fault. Following his heart is what got him into the Crows. His heart ached for his mother deprived of her right to go to her calling with his dad (Alistair who was left in the Fade), his heart is what lead him to flirting with Stephen/sticking around when his trail for Inquisitor Jay lead him through the Eluvians to Inquisitor Soren and Magister Dorian’s abode. If he wasn’t lucky enough to be picked up by Houses de Riva and Cantori, he absolutely would have been murdered after his heart told him to fuck up the Antaam’s day, save Varric, and y’know accidentally bring the heat of the Antaam down on Treviso whoops.

Teia and Viago forgive him so it’s fine. Right?

Strength: What gives your Rook courage? What inspires them to keep fighting?

To the previous point, Ettore’s strength comes his desire to live life to the fullest/like every day might be your last (as one born from a warden he carried a lingering Blight that only gets agitated throughout Veilguard, to which he carries a vial of archdemon blood prepared by his mother on the off chance his body crashes and a joining may be the only way to spare him) and protect those he cares about. He may be overly optimistic and carefree he isn’t unwise.  All three of his parents hammered that into him as a kid. To that point while he knows returning to Antiva with his dad (Zevran) is wildly dangerous, he keeps in good graces with the Crows because it means he can keep his dad safe too.

((Teia would never admit it but she absolutely knows Zevran is back in Antiva))

The Hanged Man: What does Rook do when their hard work doesn't pay off? How do they cope with failure?

He tries not to mull over it. He’s a Crow, things go wrong. There as an expectation to never break a contract, never fail or accept your life is forfeit. For the most part Ettore would say he is pretty good as letting go and moving on, keeping focused on what needs to happen next, how can he be better next time, a prime example being Minrathous. While it was Stephen’s home, he houses no regrets for choosing Treviso, Stephen’s decision to come with him was his choice, not something Ettore could change.

But that isn’t always the case. His growing frustration of never being able to pin down Inquisitor Jay (Jay remained in the south of Thedas while Inquisitor Soren would meet the two Rooks at the Cobbled Swan) means he takes an incredibly long time to make peace with two of his parents passing. Something that Emmrich eventually helps him work through during trips to the Memorial Gardens where he would eventually ask to set up a trio of tombstones and find comfort in talking to his mum and dad’s graves, and eventually bring his dad (Zevran) to sit with him there.

Thank you again for the asks!!! I love doing these aaaaaa.

More of me being normal about dragon age [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]